Waffle lot of Love No waffling around: Tradition piques the appetite

As baby boomers trade in heart-shaped boxes of chocolates for family foods this Valentine's Day, a little waffling may be in order.

Waffles are steaming onto the scene again as family cooks comb the past for familiar flavors and romantic reminiscences.

Welcome to the world of corrugated cuisine.

Ancient waffle irons, usually stored behind fondue pots, are getting dusted off. Cooks with fewer layers of kitchen archaeology are buying new waffle irons outfitted with electronic bells and whistles and even patterned in such child-friendly shapes as Mickey Mouse and Snoopy.

"We've seen a significant upswing in the market," says Rob Kass, director of marketing in the cooking products division of Black & Decker, which is enjoying success with a heart-shaped waffle iron that is sold in kitchen appliance sections of many stores. "We're seeing a consumer who is returning to home cooking and traditional values."

waffling a family event, the waffle iron is pressed into service for such special meals as a Valentine's Day breakfast, a cozy creamed chicken lunch or a stellar sit-down dinner dessert.

"As people get back to homey values," says Mr. Kass of Black & Decker, "we are finding a new premium on 'I made it myself.'

"On the weekends, especially, families can make waffles a cooking project," Mr. Kass adds. "And a quarter of a waffle produces the right-sized kid portion."

Indented waffle cakes have made a dent in history. They were hawked on Paris streets in 12th-century France, where they remain a classic country food. The Dutch brought waffles to the Americas in the early days of New Amsterdam, where the English borrowed the word from the Dutch "wafel."

Waffle irons were known even in ancient Greece. The patterned version dates to the 15th century, when they were engraved with everything from magical symbols to coats of arms and held at arms' length over burning embers.

Basic waffles can be a palette for many flavorful additions. Here are a few that can be added to the batter before baking:

* Chopped nuts

* Coconut

* Blueberries

* Chopped bacon

* Grated cheese

* Sunflower seeds

And toppings can extend beyond the traditional maple syrup. Here are some easy topping ideas:

* Crushed pineapple, thickened with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of the juice and then heated. Top with coconut and a macadamia nut for a tropical touch.

* Canned cherry pie filling

* Sliced fresh fruit

* Strawberry or other ice cream topping

Waffle irons can make an impression when it comes to leftovers, producing cakes that are as convenient as the store-bought frozen version. They save time and money.

While you have the waffle iron out, bake an extra batch. Put them on a wire rack to cool, then freeze in a self-sealing plastic bag.

When you need a quick breakfast, allow the waffles to thaw for about 10 minutes, then pop them in a toaster oven. Serve with your favorite toppings.